Asian Civilisations Museum

Established in 1993, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) first opened its doors at the Old Tao Nan School before moving to its current flagship location at the Empress Place Building in 2003. The building itself is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture, originally constructed in 1867 to house colonial government offices. Its strategic position along the Singapore River highlights the city's historical significance as a global trading hub, a theme that resonates deeply within the museum's curated collections. The museum stands as the only institution in the region dedicated to exploring the artistic heritage of Asia, specifically focusing on the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. Its galleries trace the complex historical links between China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. By showcasing the flow of ideas, faiths, and artistic traditions across these regions, the ACM provides a comprehensive narrative of how diverse civilizations have intersected and influenced one another over millennia. In recent years, the museum has undergone significant transformations, most notably the 2015 expansion which introduced the world-renowned Tang Shipwreck collection. This addition, along with new galleries dedicated to maritime trade and scholars, has solidified the ACM's reputation as a world-class institution. Today, it continues to bridge the gap between the past and the present, offering visitors a profound understanding of the shared heritage that defines the modern Asian identity.